Migration prevention is becoming an ever more prominent feature of international cooperation. Lately, the funding of systems of repression has also become a part of it. The new Foreign Minister is well advised to raise questions about this trend.

Massive cuts were made to the Confederation's 2016 development assistance budget. The Federal Council also cut back the credit lines in its Dispatch on Switzerland's International Cooperation 2017-2020.

A broad-based mobilization was what triggered the gradual raising of Switzerland's official development assistance up to 2015. As a result of a petition, Parliament approved an increase to 0.5% of Gross National Income (GNI).

Public-private development partnerships are becoming increasingly popular. The Swiss Government too in its message on International Cooperation 2013-2016 called for increased collaboration with multinational corporations. This raises questions.